U.S. patent number 10,430,820 [Application Number 14/841,563] was granted by the patent office on 2019-10-01 for enhancing revenue by driving credit account purchases through a single native mobile application.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Comenity LLC. The grantee listed for this patent is Comenity LLC. Invention is credited to Adam Koltnow, David Nack, Randall Piatt, James Walz.
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United States Patent |
10,430,820 |
Walz , et al. |
October 1, 2019 |
Enhancing revenue by driving credit account purchases through a
single native mobile application
Abstract
In a computer-implemented method for enhancing revenue by
driving credit account purchases through a single native mobile
application browsing of retail items is enabled via the single
native mobile application executing on a mobile device, wherein the
browsing is not required to be web-based browsing, and wherein the
single native mobile application is provided by a party.
Multi-tender payment for the retail items are provided. Mobile
marketing is provided to a user of the mobile device by the single
native mobile application, wherein the mobile marketing indicates
that additional loyalty rewards will be earned if the retail items
are purchased by a credit account issued by the party.
Inventors: |
Walz; James (Blacklick, OH),
Nack; David (Bexley, OH), Piatt; Randall (Blacklick,
OH), Koltnow; Adam (Worthington, OH) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Comenity LLC |
Columbus |
OH |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Comenity LLC (Columbus,
OH)
|
Family
ID: |
56886787 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/841,563 |
Filed: |
August 31, 2015 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20160267515 A1 |
Sep 15, 2016 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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62131691 |
Mar 11, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q
20/3226 (20130101); H04W 4/025 (20130101); G06Q
30/0229 (20130101); G06Q 20/24 (20130101); H04W
4/021 (20130101); G06Q 30/0238 (20130101); G06Q
20/387 (20130101); G06Q 30/0267 (20130101); G06Q
30/0261 (20130101); G06Q 20/327 (20130101); H04W
12/08 (20130101); G06Q 30/0226 (20130101); H04L
67/02 (20130101); G06Q 20/40145 (20130101); H04M
2203/6054 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G06Q
30/02 (20120101); G06Q 20/24 (20120101); H04W
4/021 (20180101); G06Q 20/32 (20120101); G06Q
20/38 (20120101); G06Q 20/40 (20120101); H04W
12/08 (20090101); H04L 29/08 (20060101); H04W
4/02 (20180101) |
Field of
Search: |
;705/14.3 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
Gps.gov, "Timing Applications",
http://web.archive.org/web/20150228013456/https://www.gps.gov/application-
s/timing/, Sep. 8, 2018. cited by applicant .
"How to Get Centimeter Accuracy on iPad With GPS / GNSS", EOS
Published in How-To Articles, Latest News, News (Monday, Oct. 3,
2016).
https://eos-gnss.com/want-centimeter-accuracy-gnss-on-your-ipad/.
cited by applicant .
Dabove, et al., "Inertial sensors for smartphones navigation",
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4695469/, Dec. 30,
2015. cited by applicant .
Nightingale, "GPS accuracy down to the centimeter from UC
Riverside",
https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/gps-accuracy-down-centimeter--
uc-riverside, Feb. 10, 2016. cited by applicant .
Shin, et al., "Implementation and performance analysis of
smartphone-based 3D PDR system with hybrid motion and heading
classifier", https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/6851376,
2014. cited by applicant .
Tarapata, "Indoor inertial navigation application for smartphones
with android",
https://www.spiedigitallibrary.org/conference-proceedings-of-sp-
ie/9662/96621Y/Indoor-inertial-navigation-application-for-smartphones-with-
-Android/10.1117/12.2205513.short?tab=ArticleLink, 2015. cited by
applicant .
Yuan, et al., "Indoor pedestrian navigation using miniaturized
low-cost MEMS inertial measurement units",
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Xuebing_Yuan/publication/262725311.p-
df, 2014. cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Kucab; Jamie R
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is related to co-pending U.S. patent application
Ser. No.14/841,483, filed on Aug. 31, 2015, entitled "PROVIDING
MOBILE LOYALTY SERVICES VIA A NATIVE MOBILE APPLICATION," by Walz
et al., and assigned to the assignee of the present
application.
This application is related to co-pending U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 14/841,509, filed on Aug. 31, 2015, entitled "PROVIDING
BIOMETRIC SECURITY FOR MOBILE LOYALTY SERVICES VIA A NATIVE MOBILE
APPLICATION," by Walz et al., and assigned to the assignee of the
present application.
This application is related to co-pending U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 14/841,535, filed on Aug. 31, 2015, entitled "PROVIDING
MOBILE LOYALTY SERVICES VIA A SINGLE NATIVE MOBILE APPLICATION," by
Walz et al., and assigned to the assignee of the present
application.
This application is related to co-pending U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 14/841,574, filed on Aug. 31, 2015, entitled "PROVIDING
MOBILE LOYALTY SERVICES IN A GEO-FENCING AREA VIA A SINGLE NATIVE
MOBILE APPLICATION," by Walz et al., and assigned to the assignee
of the present application.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A computer-implemented method for enhancing revenue by driving
credit account purchases through a single native mobile
application, said computer-implemented method comprising: browsing,
on a mobile device, retail items via said single native mobile
application executing on the mobile device, wherein said browsing
is not required to be web-based browsing, and wherein said single
native mobile application is provided by a party; determining, at a
point of sale (POS), a multi-tender payment for said retail items,
said multi-tender payment comprising two or more distinct payment
types, a first of said distinct payment types comprising a cash
payment with reference to a mobile marketing loyalty reward
program, and a second of said distinct payment types comprising an
amount to be paid via credit; presenting, via a display on the
mobile device, an additional mobile marketing loyalty reward
earning opportunity for a user of said mobile device by said single
native mobile application, said additional mobile marketing loyalty
reward earning opportunity providing an additional amount of mobile
marketing loyalty rewards for said mobile marketing loyalty reward
program that can be obtained by said user when a credit account
issued by the party is used to make at least part of the
multi-tender payment; and providing said additional amount of
mobile marketing loyalty rewards for said mobile marketing loyalty
reward program to said user after said retail items are purchased
by said user, said additional amount of mobile marketing loyalty
rewards based on the amount of the multi-tender payment actually
made with the credit account issued by the party.
2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein said credit
account is a virtual mobile credit account.
3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein said party
acquires income from a retailer of said retail items for processing
transactions of said credit account.
4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising:
tracking the additional amount of mobile marketing loyalty rewards
for said mobile marketing loyalty reward program by said single
native mobile application.
5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising:
providing digital receipts by said single native mobile
application.
6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein a third
payment type of said multi-tender payment comprising two or more
distinct payment types is selected from the group consisting of: a
gift card, a loyalty reward redemption, a co-branded credit
account, and a single branded credit account.
7. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having
instructions embodied therein that when executed cause a mobile
device to perform a method for enhancing revenue by driving credit
account purchases through a single native mobile application, the
method comprising browsing, on the mobile device, retail items of a
retailer via said single native mobile application executing on
said mobile device, wherein said browsing is not required to be
web-based browsing, and wherein said single native mobile
application is provided by a party different than said retailer;
determining, at a point of sale (POS) of said retailer, a
multi-tender payment for said retail items, said multi-tender
payment comprising two or more distinct payment types, a first of
said distinct payment types comprising a cash payment with
reference to a mobile marketing loyalty reward program, and a
second of said distinct payment types comprising an amount to be
paid via credit; presenting, via a display on the mobile device, an
additional multi-tender loyalty reward earning opportunity for a
user of said mobile device by said single native mobile
application, said additional multi-tender loyalty reward earning
opportunity provides an additional amount of mobile marketing
loyalty rewards for said mobile marketing loyalty reward program
that can be obtained by said user when a credit account issued by
the party is used to make at least part of the multi-tender
payment; and providing said additional amount of mobile marketing
loyalty rewards for said mobile marketing loyalty reward program to
said user after said retail items are purchased by said user, said
additional amount of mobile marketing loyalty rewards based on the
amount of the multi-tender payment actually made with the credit
account issued by the party.
8. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 7,
wherein said credit account is a virtual mobile credit account.
9. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 7,
wherein said party acquires income from the retailer of said retail
items for processing transactions of said credit account.
10. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 7,
further comprising: tracking the additional amount of mobile
marketing loyalty rewards for said mobile marketing loyalty reward
program by said single native mobile application.
11. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 7,
further comprising: providing digital receipts by said single
native mobile application.
12. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 7,
wherein a third payment type of said multi-tender payment
comprising two or more distinct payment types is selected from the
group consisting of: a gift card, a loyalty reward redemption, a
co-branded credit account, and a single branded credit account.
13. A mobile device comprising: one or more processors, a memory,
and a display, said one or more processors operating within the
bounds of a single native mobile application to: browse, on the
mobile device, retail items via said single native mobile
application operating on said mobile device, wherein said browsing
is not required to be a web-based browsing; determine, at a point
of sale (POS), a multi-tender payment for said retail items, said
multi-tender payment comprising two or more distinct payment types,
a first of said distinct payment types comprising a cash payment
with reference to a mobile marketing loyalty reward program, and a
second of said distinct payment types comprising an amount to be
paid via credit; present, via a display on the mobile device, an
additional mobile marketing loyalty reward earning opportunity for
a user of said mobile device, said additional mobile marketing
loyalty reward earning opportunity includes an additional amount of
mobile marketing loyalty rewards for said mobile marketing loyalty
reward program that can be obtained by said user when a credit
account issued by the party, related to the mobile marketing
loyalty reward program, is used to make at least part of the
multi-tender payment; and provide said additional amount of mobile
marketing loyalty rewards for said mobile marketing loyalty reward
program to said user after said retail items are purchased by said
user, said additional amount of mobile marketing loyalty rewards
determined by the amount of the multi-tender payment actually made
with the credit account issued by the party.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein said credit account is a
virtual mobile credit account.
15. The mobile device of claim 13, wherein the party providing said
single native mobile application acquires income from a retailer of
said retail items for processing transactions of said credit
account.
16. The mobile device of claim 13, wherein said single native
mobile application is further configured to: track said additional
amount of mobile marketing loyalty rewards for said mobile
marketing loyalty reward program; and provide a digital receipt for
a purchase of said retail items.
17. The mobile device of claim 13, wherein a third payment type of
said multi-tender payment comprising two or more distinct payment
types is selected from the group consisting of: a gift card, a
loyalty reward redemption, a co-branded credit account, and a
single branded credit account.
Description
BACKGROUND
Payments for retail items may be associated with a loyalty program.
As such, the user with the loyalty program may earn loyalty rewards
for such purchases and may also redeem loyalty rewards for various
other retail items. Additionally, marketing is involved to enhance
conversion and to build brand loyalty.
However, various disparate parties are involved in the payments,
loyalty program and marketing. For example, a first party may
process the payments, a second party provides for the loyalty
program, and a third party provides for the marketing, and the
fourth party is the retailer of the goods purchased. Many of these
parties may have competing interests or may have no interest in
providing the features/functionality that is provided by other
parties. Moreover, the payments, loyalty program and marketing are
provided on disparate platforms.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a
part of this specification, illustrate various embodiments and,
together with the Description of Embodiments, serve to explain
principles discussed below. The drawings referred to in this brief
description of the drawings should not be understood as being drawn
to scale unless specifically noted.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram that illustrates an embodiment of a
mobile device system.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram that illustrates an embodiment of a
mobile application.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram that illustrates an embodiment of a
geo-fence.
FIG. 4 depicts a flow diagram for a method for providing mobile
loyalty services via a native mobile application, according to
various embodiments.
FIG. 5 depicts a flow diagram for a method for providing mobile
loyalty services via a native mobile application, according to
various embodiments.
FIG. 6 depicts a flow diagram for a method for providing biometric
security for mobile loyalty services via a native mobile
application, according to various embodiments,
FIG. 7 depicts a flow diagram for a method for providing biometric
security for mobile loyalty services, according to various
embodiments.
FIG. 8 depicts a flow diagram for a method for providing mobile
loyalty services via a single native mobile application, according
to various embodiments.
FIG. 9 depicts a flow diagram for a method for providing mobile
loyalty services via a single native mobile application, according
to various embodiments.
FIG. 10 depicts a flow diagram for a method for enhancing revenue
by driving credit account purchases though a single native mobile
application, according to various embodiments.
FIG. 11 depicts a flow diagram for a method for enhancing revenue
by driving credit account purchases though a native mobile
application, according to various embodiments.
FIG. 12 depicts a flow diagram for a method for providing mobile
loyalty services in a geo-fencing area via a native mobile
application, according to various embodiments.
FIG. 13 depicts a flow diagram for a method for providing mobile
loyalty services in a geo-fencing area via a native mobile
application, according to various embodiments.
FIG. 14 is a mock-up diagram of the single native mobile
application as presented on a display screen of a mobile device, in
accordance with an embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments,
examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
While various embodiments are discussed herein, it will be
understood that they are not intended to be limiting. On the
contrary, the presented embodiments are intended to cover
alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included
within the spirit and scope the various embodiments as defined by
the appended claims. Furthermore, in this Description of
Embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding. However, embodiments may be
practiced without one or more of these specific details. In other
instances, well known methods, procedures, components, and circuits
have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure
aspects of the described embodiments.
I. Overview of a Mobile Loyalty Suite of Services
FIG. 1 depicts system 100 configured to provide a mobile loyalty
suite of services via application 120 executing on mobile device
110. In general, the mobile loyalty services provides for
integration of secure mobile payment and loyalty program
engagement. The mobile loyalty suite also provides for integration
of various other features such as, but not limited to, mobile
application for a credit account, mobile shopping, mobile payment,
and mobile collection/redeeming of a loyalty reward,
Additionally, the mobile loyalty services enables for collection
and analysis of various data, such as, but not limited to,
transaction data at the SKU level. Such data gathering and analysis
drives improvement of brand experience for the user and delivers a
more personalized shopping experience via application 120.
Accordingly, the mobile loyalty suite is enabled by and experience
through a single mobile application, rather than through disparate
software applications and services.
System 100 includes mobile device 110 comprising, among other
things, display 112, processor 114, memory 116, GPS 118, camera
119, and application 120.
Mobile device 110 can be any mobile device such as a mobile phone,
smart phone, PDA, computing tablet (e.g., iPad), etc.
Application 120 is a native mobile application. In general, a
native mobile application is an application program that has been
developed for use on a particular platform (e.g., iOS), or device
(e.g., iPhone). Referring now to FIG. 14, a mock-up diagram 1400 of
the single native mobile application 120 presented on a display 112
of mobile device 110 is shown in accordance with one embodiment. In
mock-up diagram 1400, a retail item section 1415 and a mobile
marketing section 1420 are presented within single native mobile
application 120. In one embodiment, mobile marketing section 1420
includes one or more marketing opportunities such as a coupon
215-1, an ad 215-2, and the like. Although a number of different
features are shown, it should be appreciated that one or more of
these features (or different features) may be shown within single
native mobile application 120 at any given time. In one embodiment,
the coupon 215-1 and/or ad 215-2 of mobile marketing section 1420
can present a communication that indicates that additional loyalty
rewards will be earned if the retail items are purchased by a
credit account issued by the party. In one embodiment, the browsing
of a retail item within retail item section 1415 is provided by
application 120 without requiring the browsing to be done via a web
browser.
Native applications interact with and take advantage of operating
system features and other software that is typically installed on
that platform because the native mobile applications are written
for a specific platform. Accordingly, native mobile applications
may use device-specific hardware and software. In particular,
native mobile applications can take advantage of the latest
technology available on mobile devices such as a global positioning
system (GPS) and camera.
Additionally, native mobile applications may be installed directly
on a mobile device and developers create a separate app version for
each mobile device. The native app may be stored on the mobile
device out of the box, or it can be downloaded from a public or
private app store and installed on the mobile device. Data
associated with the native app is also stored on the device,
although data can be stored remotely and accessed by the native
app. Depending on the nature of the native app, Internet
connectivity may not be required.
System 100 includes various external systems that provide for
mobile loyalty services via application 120. For example, system
100 includes, among other things, credit account application system
130, payment system 140, loyalty program system 150, and analytics
engine 160. As will be described in further detail below, mobile
device 110 is communicative coupled to such systems via application
120,
Application 120, in one embodiment, may be provided by a seller of
goods and/or services, such as any seller that provides goods
(e.g., apparel, accessories) for sale via online and/or via brick
and mortar stores. Application 120, in another embodiment, may be
provided by a credit account issuer that issues and processes
credit accounts for various credit account programs.
Application 120 includes various features and/or modules that
provide for mobile loyalty services. FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment
of application 120 that includes various features and/or modules
that provide for mobile loyalty services.
Application 120 includes, among other things, credit account
application module 210, mobile payment module 212, mobile marketing
module 214, security module 216, data module 218, messaging module
220, acquisition module 222, preference module 224, servicing
module 226 and consumer module 228.
Various features and functionality of application 120 (provided at
least in part by various modules) provide for a coordinated suite
of services that can be used by various types of customers and
various tenders. More specifically, application 120 provides for a
single platform that allows multi-tender loyalty services for
sellers of goods and/or services and their customers. Application
120 may be a seller-branded application that serves as a
destination to, among other things, deliver timely and relevant
offers and also facilitate payments and reward loyalty.
II. Mobile Credit account Application
Credit account application module 210 enables processes related to
application and registration of credit account 122 via mobile
application 120 executing on a mobile device 110. That is, credit
account application module 210 provides for mobile experiences that
allow consumers to go from being a non-credit customer to being a
customer that can use a credit account.
Credit account application module 210 of application 120
communicates with credit account application system 130 for
processing of credit account applications/registrations.
Credit account 122, in one embodiment, is a private label credit
account. A private label credit account is branded for a seller of
goods and/or services. A third-parry, such as the credit account
issuer, issues the credit accounts and collects the payments from
credit account holders via payment system 140.
It is noted that a user can apply for a credit account at any
location where the mobile device is able to receive the requisite
cell phone service or internet service. For example, the user may
apply for a credit account when the user is not in a brick and
mortar store of a given retailer at which the credit account may be
used.
Module 210 may prompt a user for credit application information. In
one embodiment, the credit account application is numerical
information (e.g., address, social security number, zip code, date
of birth, etc.). Alternatively, module 210 may prompt a user for
non-numerical information (e.g.; name).
Additionally, mobile device 110 may enable interactive voice
response (IVR). For example, a user may be prompted for credit
application information and the user may speak the answer. As such,
the IVR functionality enables mobile device 110 to recognize the
speech of the user and translate the speech into entered data in
the credit account application form.
Mobile device 110 may be owned by the user who is applying for the
credit account. Accordingly, the user may enter the personal credit
application information in privacy. As a result, the personal
credit application information is not written down and cannot be
viewed by others and potentially used for nefarious means.
The user provides the credit application information via display
112. For example, the user types in the information on display 112
which is a touch screen display.
The information is transmitted to credit account application system
130 for processing. System 130 processes the provided credit
application information to determine if the user is qualified for a
credit account.
System 130 can include a credit bureau or consumer reporting agency
(e.g., Experian, Equifax, etc.) that provides a credit score or
other credit determinative analysis based on the provided credit
application information. Additionally, system 130 is
managed/controlled by the credit account issuer,
If the credit account application is approved, the approval is
transmitted to credit account application module 210 from credit
account application system 130. The approval is then presented to
the user via display 112. The approval and/or decline of the credit
account application are displayed to user on mobile device 110. As
a result, approval and/or decline are also kept private.
Once approved for a credit account, the user may progress through
various other credit account related processes via the mobile
device, such as, applying for a credit account to
creating/registering a credit account management account, and
enrolling for a digital credit account,
The credit account enables a user to make payments with the credit
account payment system 140 which manages and controls the credit
account, which will be described in further detail below. For
example, credit account payment system 140 is managed and
controlled by the credit account issuer, such as a private label or
co-brand credit account issuer.
The digital credit account, in one embodiment, is displayed via
display 112. The digital credit account may display the credit
account number.
Credit account 122 can be any digital credit account that is able
to be displayed on display 112 and utilized for purchases. In one
embodiment, the digital credit account is implemented via
application 120. When a user of device 110 selects application 120
to be utilized, processor 114 executes application 120 such that
the digital credit account is eventually displayed on display
112.
It should be appreciated that the application form or link to the
application form may be accessed by various means.
In one embodiment, a user may scan a QR code, take a picture, or
the like. For example, a user scans a QR code at a retail store by
a scanning feature on mobile device 110. In response, a link to the
application form or the application form is displayed to the user
via mobile device 110. The user is then able to complete the
application from the mobile device.
In another embodiment, a link to the application form may be
accessed by text messaging functionality, e-mail, push messaging or
the like as supported by mobile device 110.
For example, a text may be sent to the user and received on mobile
device 110. The text may include a link to the credit account
application form. In response to the user selecting the link on the
text, the application form is displayed to the user via mobile
device 110.
II. Mobile payment
Mobile payment module 212 enables mobile payment via mobile
application 120 executing on a mobile device 110. That is, mobile
payment module 212 allows consumers to make mobile payment for
goods/services from their mobile devices. For example, mobile
payment module 212 communicates with payment system 140 to process
the mobile payment. Payment system 140 is any payment entity or
mechanism that processes the payment transactions.
In one embodiment, the mobile payment is made by a mobile virtual
credit account (e.g., credit account 122). The mobile virtual
credit account may be a mobile virtual private label credit account
issued by a party that provides application 120. Additionally, the
party may also provide payment system 140 and therefore processes
the payment transactions. However, the mobile virtual credit
account may be issued by a party different than the party that
provides application 120.
It should be appreciated that credit account 122 may alternatively
be a mobile debit card, mobile cash card, mobile gift card,
co-brand credit account, etc.
Credit account 122 includes credit account information. The credit
account information can include, but is not limited to, name of
user, billing address, credit account number, credit account
balance/limit, credit account issuer information, etc.
In one embodiment, a mobile payment is based on optically reading
credit account 122. For example, account information of the credit
account is optically machine readable information. Optically
machine readable information is any machine readable (or scan-able)
information that is able to be displayed on display 112 that
enables access to or information related to a user account of
payment system 140. The optically machine readable information can
be displayed in the form of a bar code (1D, 2D), quick response
(QR) code, matrix code, etc.
In order to make the mobile payment transaction, an optical reader,
for example at a point of sale (POS), optically scans credit
account 122 that is displayed on display 112 of mobile device
110.
Mobile payment may also be made by various other means. For
example, various mobile payment means may utilize audio signals,
Bluetooth low energy (BLE), near field communication (NFC),
etc,
In one embodiment, when the customer approaches a POS, such as a
register, with items for purchase, device 110 enters the range of a
beacon. The beacon is able to communicate via BLE, NFC, etc. A more
detailed description regarding beacons and the like will be
described with reference FIG. 3.
For example, a beacon transmits (e.g., broadcasts) an invitation
(e.g., BLE, NFC) to communicate with and access information from
mobile device 110, Once in the beacons range, device 110 receives
the invitation from the beacon. In response, device 110 sends a
signal back to the beacon via a wireless transceiver. As a result,
the beacon is able to recognize various information associated with
device 110 (e.g., phone ID, etc.) and a connection is made between
device and beacon. Additionally, information related to credit
account 122 may be accessed by the beacon such that the mobile
payment is received via the connection between the beacon and the
mobile device. For example, in one embodiment the beacon may
recognize the credit account holder and select a "preferred" credit
account from the wallet for payment.
Mobile payment module 212 may also enable mobile payment by various
mobile payment methods developed by third parties, such as Apple
Pay and Google Wallet.
In one embodiment, mobile payment may be used to purchase items in
an online check out. For example, a user may peruse items on a
retailer website. Various items may be selected to purchase and are
subsequently placed in an online check out, The items in the online
checkout may be purchased by a mobile payment (e.g., by credit
account 122) via mobile payment module 212.
In another embodiment, mobile payment may be used to make non-web
based purchases of items in a native check out. For example, a user
may peruse items of retailer via a mobile platform that is not the
retailer website. Various items may be selected to purchase and are
subsequently placed in the check out. The items in the checkout may
be purchased by a mobile payment (e.g., by credit account 122) via
mobile payment module 212.
Mobile payment module 212 may also enable mobile payment by
redemption of a loyalty reward or points. For example, a user may
accumulate a requisite amount of rewards/points to purchase an
item. As such, the user may make a mobile purchase for an item by
redeeming the requisite amount of rewards/points via mobile payment
module 212.
The payment ansaction may utilize tokenization. In general,
tokenization is the process of substituting a sensitive data
element with a non-sensitive equivalent, referred to as a token
that has no extrinsic or exploitable meaning or value. The token is
a reference (e.g., an identifier) that maps back to the sensitive
data through a tokenization system. More specifically, tokenization
is a method for protecting credit account data by substituting a
credit account's Primary Account Number (PAN) with a unique,
randomly generated sequence of numbers, alphanumeric characters, or
a combination of a truncated PAN and a random alphanumeric
sequence.
III. Mobile Marketing
Mobile marketing module 214 enables mobile marketing via
application 120. Mobile marketing includes various features such as
but not limited to coupons/offers and loyalty points/rewards, that
will be described in further detail herein. In general, mobile
marketing module 214 provides for, among other things, an increased
rate of conversion of retail items. Additionally, the mobile
marketing increases brand awareness of a retailer and provides a
personalized shopping experience with a retailer and/or brand.
In one embodiment, mobile marketing module 214 enables mobile
coupons 215-1 (or mobile offers) to be displayed on display 112 of
mobile device 110 to increase the likelihood of conversion.
Conversion is the act of converting visitors of a store and/or
website into paying customers. For example mobile coupon 215-1 may
be displayed on display 112 that may be exchanged for a financial
discount or rebate when purchasing a product.
A user may be a member of a loyalty program associated with a
credit account, such as a private label credit account. In general,
a loyalty program is a structured marketing effort that rewards,
and therefore encourages, loyal buying behavior associated with the
credit account (e.g., credit account 122). Some rewards include,
but are not limited to, discounts, coupons, etc. For example, upon
accumulating "points" with loyalty program, the user may redeem a
reward (e.g., coupon 215-1 to purchase an item at a lower price)
based on the accumulation the "points."
Loyalty program system 150 is communicatively coupled to mobile
device 110 such that rewards of the loyalty program are enabled to
be earned and/or redeemed via device 110. Loyalty program system
150 is a multi-tender loyalty program. As such, users may
earn/redeem loyalty points based on various tenders (e.g., cash,
credit, debit card, gift card gifting, etc.) for purchase of retail
items.
Loyalty program system 150 manages/controls the multi-tender
loyalty program that is associated with credit account 122 (e.g.,
private label credit account). The issuer of the credit account may
control the loyalty program system.
In one embodiment, a loyalty reward (e.g., coupon 215-1) is
displayed on device 110. For example, the reward may be presented
to a sales associate and the reward may be redeemed.
The loyalty reward may be in the form of a digital gift card,
digital coupon, etc. The loyalty reward may include a visual code
such as a barcode, QR code, or the like. As such, the loyalty
reward may be scanned to be redeemed.
Mobile marketing module 214 may present information to the user
regarding the loyalty program. For example, module 214 tracks or
accounts the number points that a user has accumulated and/or
redeemed.
In one embodiment, mobile marketing module 214 enables the
redemption of the rewards of the loyalty program. For example,
mobile marketing module 214 enables a message displayed on display
112 that states "You have 1000 points!" A user may select a button
associated with the displayed text to redeem the 1000 loyalty
points. If the reward is a coupon for a particular item, the coupon
may be redeemed for purchase of the item at a lower price or for
the entire purchase price.
Mobile marketing module 214 may enable advertisements to be
displayed to a user. For example, ad 215-2 is any advertisement
that is displayed on display 112 of mobile device 110. An ad may
indicate that various retail items are selling at a discount.
Mobile marketing module 214 may provide any information related
with a retailer. For example, location of brick and mortar stores,
opening and closing times, phone numbers, etc.
Mobile marketing module 214 may be associated with various "wish
lists" of a retailer. For example, a user may peruse various retail
items via application 120. The user may then select various items
that the user is interested in but is not willing to purchase
during the time of perusing. Mobile marketing module 214 may
subsequently display or provide information of the wish list of
retail items to the user such that the user may be more willing to
purchase the retail items in the wish list.
In various embodiments, mobile marketing provided by mobile
marketing module 214 is based on a location of a user. More
specifically, geo-fencing is utilized for mobile marketing. In
general, a geo-fence is a virtual perimeter for a real-world
geographic area. Various mobile marketing may be provided based on
a user's position with respect to the geo-fence and/or the user's
position within the geo-fence. For example, mobile marketing can be
triggered to an opt-in customer when the customer enters a defined
virtual perimeter in the geographical area.
FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of geo-fence 305 in retail store 300.
Retail store 300 is any physical brick and mortar store that
provides goods for sale at the store location.
Geo-fence 305 is any virtual perimeter created by various beacons.
Geo-fence 305 is created based on beacons 310-1, 310-2, 310-3,
310-4, and 310-n. It should be appreciated that a geo-fence can be
any shape based on the number and location of beacons.
One or more of beacons 310-1 through 310-n are devices that is
configured to be communicatively coupled with device 110, such as,
for example, a NFC enabled device, a Bluetooth enabled device, or
the like.
In one embodiment, one or more of beacons 310-1 through 310-n is an
iBeacon.TM., which is an indoor positioning system from Apple Inc.
For example, the iBeacon is a low-powered, low-cost transmitter
that can notify nearby iOS and/or Android devices of their
presence.
Additionally, application 120 can be enabled to look for the
transmission of one or more of beacons 310-1 through 310-n. When
device 110 is within physical proximity to the beacon and detects
it, the application can notify the customer of location-relevant
content, promotions, and offers which will be described in further
detail below.
For example, various mobile marketing may be provided to a user as
the user travels along path 340 within retail store 300. At point
A, the user enters geo-fence 305. In response to entering geo-fence
305, a message, ad, or coupon may be displayed on display 112. For
purposes of the discussion, the message, ad or coupon may be
delivered via, a text message, e-mail, push message, other type of
in App display, or the like. In one embodiment, the message
welcomes the user to the retail store and indicates how many
loyalty points the user has associated with retail store.
At point B, the user peruses retail items 330. In response to
perusing retail items at point B, mobile marketing module 214
provides a personalized coupon to the user that indicates that
retail items 330 are available for purchase at a discounted
price.
As the user travels towards point C, in proximity to point of sale
(POS) 320, mobile marketing module 214 may provide various mobile
marketing to the user via device 110. In one instance, the user is
a loyalty member but may not have a credit account. Accordingly,
mobile marketing module 214 provides a message which may be
delivered via a text message, an e-mail, a push message, an in-App
display, or the like to the user indicating how many loyalty points
the user may earn if the user creates a credit account and purchase
items with a credit account 122. Doing so may increase the
likelihood that the non-credit account user becomes a credit
account user.
At point D, the user is in proximity of exiting geo-fence 305 and
also in proximity of exiting retail store 300. Accordingly, mobile
marketing module 214 may provide a mobile marketing message which
may be delivered via, a text message, e-mail, push message, other
type of in App display, or the like to the user as the user exits
geo-fence 305 and/or retail store 300. For example, such message
could include various coupons/offers if the user enters the retail
store within a predefined period of time.
IV. Messaging/Content Delivery
Messaging module 220 enables application 120 to provide messaging
and content delivery to the user. The messaging may be utilized
with various features and functionality of application 120, such
as, but not limited to credit account application, mobile payment,
mobile marketing, security, data analysis, etc.
In one embodiment, the messaging is selected from the Short Message
Service (SMS)/Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), a push message,
an interactive push message, a pop-up message, a mobile mail,
e-mail, text, and the like. For example, various store information
such as daily advertisements and the like are pushed to the user
when user enters geo-fence 305 at location A.
Messaging may be provided by social feed. For example, a retailer
feeds messages to a user via social media. For example, a retailer
provides an advertisement via a Facebook news feed.
Messaging may be provided by way of a message center of application
120 that is central point for communication. For example, message
and/or content delivery is provided to the user via a message
center of application 120.
Moreover, messaging module 220 may provide a chatting feature
wherein a user may chat with other user's or retailer
personnel.
In one embodiment, messaging module 220 enables augmented reality.
In general, augmented reality is a live direct or indirect view of
a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented or
supplemented by computer-generated sensory input such as sound,
video, graphics or GPS data. For example, a photo of a user or
video capture of a user may be augmented such that it appears that
the user is wearing a retail item of a retailer.
Messaging may be provided by way of various barcodes, such as a
Quick Response Code (QR code). For example, a user may scan a QR
code in a retail store and receive a coupon in response to scanning
the QR code.
In another embodiment, messaging module 220 enables a user survey.
For example, a survey may be displayed via mobile device 110
regarding a user experience in a retail store. In another example,
a survey is provided regarding the user experience of application
120.
V. Security
Security pertaining to transactions involving mobile payment such
as by credit account 122 may be controlled by security module 216.
Security module 216 enables authentication of a user by way of
biometrics. In some instances, the biometrics may take the place of
standard user ID and password authentications. Biometrics can
include, but are not limited to, thumb print scanning, voice
detection, heart rate monitoring, eye/cornea detection, etc.
In one scenario, a user intends to purchase an item with credit
account 122 located on mobile device 110. In order to unlock mobile
device 110 (rather than provide a passcode or the like), the user
provides a thumbprint on a scanning device on mobile device 110 to
unlock the mobile device.
The user then selects mobile application 120 to access digital
credit account 122. In order to authenticate the user, the user
provides a thumbprint. If the user is authenticated via the
provided thumbprint, the application continues to execute and the
digital credit account 122 is displayed on display 112.
In various embodiments, in addition to accessing biometric
information authentication/security may also include additional
security parameters such as one or more of date, time and
location.
The additional security parameters may be determined at the moment
in which the biometric information is accessed at mobile device
110. Additionally, the security parameters may also be accessed by
various features of the mobile device, such as a GPS 118.
For example, when a user provides the biometric information (e.g.,
fingerprint) at mobile device 110, the additional security
parameters (e.g., date, time, and location) are determined by GPS
118. In particular, in response to the provided biometric
information, GPS 118 determines the physical location of the mobile
device 110 that includes a time and/or date stamp.
In various embodiments, if the biometric information is approved in
combination with one or more of the additional security parameters,
then a user may be approved or authenticated to use application
120, such as using credit account 122 via mobile device 110.
In one example, a user may have pre-approved location parameters in
order to be authenticated. That is, if a location of a user (or
mobile device) is determined to be within a location parameter,
then the user is approved. In the alternative, if a location of a
user is determined to be outside of a location parameter, then the
user is not approved. More specifically, at the time the biometrics
are obtained and approved, if the user is within a 50 mile radius
of his/her home address (which is the pre-approved location
parameter), the user is authenticated to utilized application 120.
However, at the time the biometrics are obtained and approved, if
the user is outside of the 50 mile radius of his/her home address
(which is not a pre-approved location parameter), the user is not
authenticated to utilized application 120.
Moreover, security module 216 provides for pre-approved time and/or
date parameters to enable user authentication. For example, if a
date and/or time at which the biometric information is obtained
correspond to a pre-approved time and/or date, then the user is
authenticated (if the biometric information is also authenticated).
More specifically, a user may have a pre-approved (or expected)
time parameter of 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. If biometric information is
obtained in the time frame, then the user is authenticated.
However, if the biometric information is obtained outside of the
time frame, then the user is not authenticated.
In one embodiment, authentication of a user is based on the
combination of biometric information, date, time and location.
In various embodiments, security module 216 provides for single
sign-on (SSO) for use of application 120 (and its various
features). In general, SSO is a session/user authentication process
that permits a user to enter one name and password in order to
access multiple applications. The process authenticates the user
for all the applications they have been given rights to and
eliminates further prompts when they switch applications during a
particular session.
VI. Data Analytics
Data module 218 provides for various data collection and analysis
via application 120. Such data gathering and analysis drives
improvement of brand experience for the user and delivers a more
personalized shopping experience via application 120.
Data gathered by data module 218 may be various user associated
information. In one embodiment, user information is accessed by one
or more of beacons 310-1 through 310-n when mobile device 110 is
communicatively coupled to one or more beacons. For example, one of
the connected beacons is a trigger to obtaining the consumer
information which forces a draw of information in database 162 or a
calculation of information via analytics engine 160.
The user associated information may be any information derived from
transactions or any other obtained information from various means.
More specifically, analytics engine 160 may gather any data
associated with the user and analyze such data and generate user
associated information. For example, a user may typically purchase
items towards the end of the month or on his wife's birthday.
Accordingly, analytics engine 160 generate information regarding
the user that the user is inclined to purchase other items towards
the end of the month or on near his wife's birthday.
It should be appreciated that the obtaining or accessing of user
information conforms to applicable privacy laws (e.g., federal
privacy laws, state privacy laws, etc.). In one embodiment, prior
to accessing user information, the user affirmatively "opts-in" to
the services described herein. For example, during an application
for the use of the digital credit account, the user is prompted
with a choice to affirmatively "opt-in" to various services, such
as accessing at least some of the user's personal information. As a
result, the user information is obtained with the user's prior
permission.
The data may also include, but is not limited to, views by
customers, purchases across tender types (e.g., cash, PLCC,
co-brand credit account, mobile virtual credit account, debit card,
etc.)., user preferences, locations and frequencies of
shopping/browsing, devices, channel (e.g., mobile, non-mobile),
non-account holder data, account holder data, etc.
The data may include information associated with any transaction.
Such information can include purchase amount, SKU data, customer
type (e.g., cash paying customer, credit account customer),
recurrence, etc.
Additionally, analytics engine 160 may analyze information from
thousands of other users and generate purchasing patterns and apply
such patterns and analysis to other users. Such information is
stored in database 162.
Analytics engine 160 facilitates in the multi-tender mobile loyalty
program. For example, analytics engine 160 facilitates in the
execution a scalable plan to enhance marketing and customer
engagement strategies. Also, engine may facilitate growing a
business through data-driven loyalty and marketing solutions.
It should be appreciated that various offers and ads may be
generated based on the analytics provided by analytics engine 160.
For example., analytics engine 160 determines that cash tender
users are inclined to purchase 10% more if given a personalized ad
while approaching a POS. As such, data module 218 enables
personalized ads to be created and pushed to cash tender users
while approaching POS 320.
VII. Other Features of Mobile Application
Mobile application 120 includes a plurality of additional features
nd functionalities which will be described in further detail
below.
Mobile application 120, in one embodiment, includes acquisition
module 222. In one embodiment, acquisition module provides for
driver's license scanning. For example, camera 119 of mobile device
110 is able to take an image of a driver's license and scan the
driver's license. Information of the driver's license, e.g., name,
address, DL number, etc., may then be used for various purposes. It
should be appreciated that the obtaining and use of driver's
license information conforms to applicable laws.
Mobile application 120 may include preference module 224 which may
control user preferences for application 120. A user may provide
user preferences pertaining to marketing. For example, a user may
select that he/she does not want to receive any ads/offers for a
period of time.
Mobile application 120 may also include servicing module 226 which
controls various application or multi-tender loyalty reward
services. For example, servicing module 226 can provide for display
and various disclosures. In another embodiment, servicing module
226 provides for credit account management and/or customer care
such as, but not limited to, purchase history, tracking of mobile
rewards, dispute initiation, digital spend allowance, application
tutorial, etc.
Mobile application 120, in one embodiment, includes consumer module
228 which may control or enable various consumer specific features
such as, but not limited to, a store locator, digital receipts,
eCommerce wrapper, voice navigation, shipment tracking, digital
retail locker, barcode scanner, social media features such as
posting, gifting, store check-in, etc.
VIII. Enhancing Revenue by Driving Credit account Purchases
Application 120, in one embodiment, provides for enhancing of
revenue by increasing the likelihood for credit account purchases
rather than non-credit account payments.
Referring again to FIG. 3, as a customer approaches POS 320 to
purchase retail items, it is determined that the customer does not
have a credit account 122. For example, the customer is a cash
tender customer and initially intends to purchase items with cash
or some other non-credit account means. In one embodiment, the
determination is made by the self-reporting of the customer, e.g.,
"I am a cash customer". In another embodiment, the determination is
made by querying the customer.
In yet another embodiment, the determination is made by determining
a device ID for the customer's mobile device and then cross
referencing the device ID with the issuer's systems to determine
whether the customer is a credit account holder. In another
embodiment, the determination is made by determining a device ID
for the customer's mobile device and then cross referencing the
device ID with a data base to identify the customer, and then cross
reference the customer's identity with the issuer's systems to
determine whether the customer is a credit account holder.
Accordingly, a message is communicated to the user via display 112
that a bonus of loyalty points will be rewarded to the user if the
user applies for, and after approval, is issued a credit account
and purchases items with the newly acquired credit account.
As a result, a credit account purchase is made. The party that
provides application 120 may also be an issuer of credit account
122; e.g., a private label credit account. Additionally, the parry
may process the credit account transactions and receive a fee from
the retailer for each private label credit account transaction,
In another embodiment, a user peruses retail items via application
120. That is, the user views various retail items to purchase on
display 112. The user may select various items to purchase via
application 120. It is determined that the customer does not have a
credit account for credit account 122. For example, the customer is
intends to purchase items with a non-credit account payment (e.g.,
loyalty redemption, debit card, etc.).
Accordingly, a message is communicated to the user via display 112
that a bonus of loyalty points will be rewarded to the user if the
user creates a credit account and purchases items with the newly
acquired credit account.
IX. Example Methods of Operation
The following discussion sets forth in detail the operation of some
example methods of operation of embodiments. With reference to
FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13, flow diagrams 400, 500,
600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, and 1300 illustrate example
procedures used by various embodiments. Flow diagrams 400-1300
include some procedures that, in various embodiments, are carried
out by a processor under the control of computer-readable and
computer-executable instructions. In this fashion, procedures
described herein and in conjunction with diagrams 400-1300 are, or
may be, implemented using a computer, in various embodiments. The
computer-readable and computer-executable instructions can reside
in any tangible computer readable storage media. Some non-limiting
examples of tangible computer readable storage media include random
access memory, read only memory, magnetic disks, solid state
drives/"disks," and optical disks, any or all of which may be
employed with computer environments and/or cloud environments. The
computer-readable and computer-executable instructions, which
reside on tangible non-transitory computer readable storage media,
are used to control or operate in conjunction with, for example,
one or some combination of processors of the computer environments
and/or cloud environment. It is appreciated that the processor(s)
may be physical or virtual or some combination (it should also be
appreciated that a virtual processor is implemented on physical
hardware). Although specific procedures are disclosed in diagrams
400-1300, such procedures are examples. That is, embodiments are
well suited to performing various other procedures or variations of
the procedures recited in diagrams 400-1300. Likewise, in some
embodiments, the procedures in diagrams 400-1300 may be performed
in an order different than presented and/or not all of the
procedures described in one or more of these flow diagrams may be
performed. It is further appreciated that procedures described in
diagrams 400-1300 may be implemented in hardware, or a combination
of hardware with firmware and/or software.
FIG. 4 depicts a process flow diagram 400 for a method for
providing mobile loyalty services via a native mobile application,
according to various embodiments.
At 410, providing mobile payment via a mobile device through a
native mobile application of the mobile device, wherein the native
mobile application is provided by a single party. For example,
application 120 is a single application that, among other things,
enables a user to provide mobile payment through the application.
In particular, a mobile payment may be provided by a credit
account, debit card, gift card, loyalty reward redemption, etc.
In one embodiment, a single party refers to the party that creates
and provides the application, wherein the party may also issue
credit account 122.
At 420, providing mobile marketing to a user of the mobile device
by the native mobile application. For example, application 120 also
provides mobile marketing. The mobile marketing can include, but is
not limited to, coupons, offers, advertisements. The mobile
marketing, in one embodiment, incentivizes a user to apply for
and/or use credit account 122.
At 430, providing security of the mobile payment by the mobile
native mobile application. For example, application 120 may
authenticate a user to use application 120 and/or use credit
account 122,
At 440, providing a loyalty reward to a user of the mobile device,
wherein the loyalty reward is provided by the single party. For
example, the party that provides or created application 120 and
issues credit account 122 also provides a loyalty reward to the
user. For example, a user earns a loyalty reward when using credit
account 122 (e.g., a PLCC).
At 450, tracking a loyalty reward by the native mobile application.
For example, application 120 tracks the user's loyalty reward.
Tracking can include tracking the amount of a loyalty reward, the
redemption of a loyalty reward, etc.
At 460, providing digital receipts of the mobile payment by the
native mobile application. For example, digital receipts are
provided for the mobile purchases via application 120. In one
embodiment, application 120 stores or tracks the digital receipts
of the user.
It is noted that any of the procedures, stated above, regarding
flow diagram 400 may be implemented in hardware, or a combination
of hardware with firmware and/or software. For example, any of the
procedures are implemented by a processor(s) of a cloud environment
and/or a computing environment.
FIG. 5 depicts a process flow diagram 500 for providing mobile
loyalty services via a native mobile application, according to
various embodiments.
At 510, providing mobile payment through a single native mobile
application of a mobile device, wherein the single native mobile
application is provided by a single vendor. For example,
application 120 is a single application that, among other things,
enables a user to provide mobile payment through the application.
In particular, a mobile payment may be provided by a credit
account, debit card, gift card, loyalty reward redemption, etc.
It should be appreciated that the mobile application is a single
application that is provided by a single party or vender, such as
the vendor that creates and provides the application, wherein the
vendor may also issue credit account 122.
At 520, providing mobile marketing to a user of the mobile device
by the single native mobile application based on a location of the
mobile device. For example, application 120 also provides mobile
marketing. The mobile marketing can include, but is not limited to,
coupons, offers, advertisements. The mobile marketing, in one
embodiment, incentivizes a user to apply for and/or use credit
account 122.
At 530, tracking a loyalty reward by the single native mobile
application, wherein the loyalty reward is provided by the single
vendor. For example, application 120 tracks the user's loyalty
reward. Tracking can include tracking the amount of a loyalty
reward, the redemption of a loyalty reward, etc.
At 540, providing biometric security to access mobile payment. For
example, application 120 may authenticate a user to use application
120 and/or use credit account 122. The authentication may be
provided by biometric information (e.g., finger print) provided at
mobile device 110.
At 550, providing digital receipts of the mobile payment by the
single native mobile application. For example, digital receipts are
provided for the mobile purchases via application 120. In one
embodiment, application 120 stores or tracks the digital receipts
of the user.
It is noted that any of the procedures, stated above, regarding
flow diagram 500 may be implemented in hardware, or a combination
of hardware with firmware and/or software. For example, any of the
procedures are implemented by a processor(s) of a cloud environment
and/or a computing environment.
FIG. 6 depicts a process flow diagram 600 for providing biometric
security for mobile loyalty services via a native mobile
application, according to various embodiments.
At 610, accessing a physical location of a mobile device by a
single native mobile application executing on the mobile device,
wherein the physical location is accessed in response to a user
initiating access to the mobile loyalty services. For example, when
a user attempts to use application 120 or to access credit account
122, the user needs to be authenticated by application 120. The
security procedure for authentication includes accessing the
physical location of the user (which is the physical location of
the mobile device assuming that the mobile device is in proximity
to the user). The physical location is determined by GPS 118.
At 620, accessing a time corresponding to a determination of the
physical location of the mobile device by the single native mobile
application. For example, the securing procedure also includes
accessing a time when the physical location is determined. In one
embodiment, a time stamp provided by GPS 118 determines the
time.
[001 52] At 630, accessing a date corresponding to a determination
of the physical location of the mobile device by the single native
mobile application. For example, the securing procedure also
includes accessing a date when the physical location is determined.
In one embodiment, a time stamp provided by GPS 118 determines the
date.
At 640, accessing biometrics of the user of the mobile device. For
example, the security procedure also includes accessing biometric
information (e.g., fingerprint). The biometric information can be
captured by mobile device 110 (e.g., scanning of a finger for the
fingerprint).
At 650, providing biometric security of the single native mobile
application based on the physical location of the mobile device,
the time corresponding to a determination of the physical location
of the mobile device, the date corresponding to a determination of
the physical location of the mobile device, and the biometrics of
the user. For example, authentication of a user is based on the
combination of biometric information, date, time and location. In
one embodiment, the date, time and location at which the biometric
information is accessed is compared to an approved or expected
date, time and location of the user. If the date, time and location
are approved and/or expected (as well as approved biometric
information), then the user is authenticated.
It is noted that any of the procedures, stated above, regarding
flow diagram 600 may be implemented in hardware, or a combination
of hardware with firmware and/or software. For example, any of the
procedures are implemented by a processor(s) of a cloud environment
and/or a computing environment.
FIG. 7 depicts a process flow diagram 700 for providing biometric
security for mobile loyalty services, according to various
embodiments.
At 710, in response to a user initiating access to mobile loyalty
services provided by a single native mobile application executing
on a mobile device: accessing biometrics of the user of the mobile
device. For example, the security procedure to authenticate a user
includes accessing biometric information (e.g., fingerprint). The
biometric information can be captured by mobile device 110 (e.g.,
scanning of a finger for the fingerprint).
At 720, accessing a physical location of the mobile device. For
example, when a user attempts to use application 120 or to access
credit account 122, the user needs to be authenticated by
application 120. The security procedure for authentication includes
accessing the physical location of the user (which is the physical
location of the mobile device assuming that the mobile device is in
proximity to the user). The physical location is determined by GPS
118.
At 730, accessing a time at which the biometrics information is
accessed. For example, the securing procedure also includes
accessing a time when the physical location is determined. In one
embodiment, a time stamp provided by GPS 118 determines the
time.
At 740, accessing a date at which the biometrics are accessed. For
example, the securing procedure also includes accessing a date when
the physical location is determined. In one embodiment, a time
stamp provided by GPS 118 determines the date.
At 750, providing biometric security of the single native mobile
application based on the biometrics of the user, the physical
location of the mobile device, the time at which the biometrics are
accessed, and the date at which the biometrics are accessed. For
example, authentication of a user is based on the combination of
biometric information, date, time and location. In one embodiment,
the date, time and location at which the biometric information is
accessed is compared to an approved or expected date, time and
location of the user. If the date, time and location are approved
and/or expected (as well as approved biometric information), then
the user is authenticated.
It is noted that any of the procedures, stated above, regarding
flow diagram 700 may be implemented in hardware, or a combination
of hardware with firmware and/or software. For example, any of the
procedures are implemented by a processor(s) of a cloud environment
and/or a computing environment.
FIG. 8 depicts a process flow diagram 800 for a method for
providing mobile loyalty services via a single native mobile
application, according to various embodiments,
At 810, enabling browsing of retail items of a first party via the
single native mobile application executing on the mobile device,
wherein the browsing is not required to be web-based browsing, and
wherein the native mobile application is provided by a second
party. For example, a user is able to browse retail items of a
retail store via display 112 of mobile device 110. The browsing is
provided by application 120 wherein the browse is not required to
be done via a web browser.
At 820, providing mobile payment for the retail items via the
single native mobile application. For example, retail items
selected to be purchased by the user may be purchased by mobile
payment (e.g., credit account 122).
At 830, providing mobile marketing to a user of the mobile device
by the single native mobile application.
At 840, providing a loyalty reward to a user of the mobile device,
wherein the loyalty reward is provided by the second party. For
example, the party that provides or created application 120 and
issues credit account 122 also provides a loyalty reward to the
user. For example, a user earns a loyalty reward when using credit
account 122 (e.g., a PLCC).
At 850, tracking a loyalty reward by the single native mobile
application. For example, application 120 tracks the user's loyalty
reward. Tracking can include tracking the amount of a loyalty
reward, the redemption of a loyalty reward, etc.
At 860, providing digital receipts of the mobile payment by the
single native mobile application. For example, digital receipts are
provided for the mobile purchases via application 120. In one
embodiment, application 120 stores or tracks the digital receipts
of the user.
It is noted that any of the procedures, stated above, regarding
flow diagram 800 may be implemented in hardware, or a combination
of hardware with firmware and/or software. For example, any of the
procedures are implemented by a processor(s) of a cloud environment
and/or a computing environment.
FIG. 9 depicts a process flow diagram 900 for a method for
providing mobile loyalty services via a single native mobile
application, according to various embodiments.
At 910, enabling browsing of retail items of a first party via the
single native mobile application executing on the mobile device,
wherein the browsing is not required to be web-based browsing, and
wherein the native mobile application is provided by a second
party. For example, a user is able to browse retail items of a
retail store via display 112 of mobile device 110. The browsing is
provided by application 120 wherein the browsing is not required to
be done via a web browser.
At 920, enabling multi-tender payments for the retail items via the
single native mobile application. For example, application 120 is a
single application that, among other things, enables a user to
provide mobile payment through the application. In particular, a
mobile payment may be provided by a credit account, debit card,
gift card, loyalty reward redemption, etc.
At 930, tracking multi-tender loyalty reward by the single native
mobile application, wherein the multi-tender loyalty reward. For
example, application 120 tracks the user's loyalty reward. Tracking
can include tracking the amount of a loyalty reward, the redemption
of a loyalty reward, etc.
At 940, providing biometric security to access the single native
mobile application. For example, application 120 may authenticate a
user to use application 120 and/or use credit account 122 based on
biometrics of the user, such as fingerprint, voice recognition,
etc.
At 950, providing digital receipts of the multi-tender payments by
the native mobile application. For example, digital receipts are
provided for the mobile purchases via application 120. In one
embodiment, application 120 stores or tracks the digital receipts
of the user.
At 960, providing mobile marketing via the native mobile
application. For example, application 120 also provides mobile
marketing. The mobile marketing can include, but is not limited to,
coupons, offers, advertisements. The mobile marketing, in one
embodiment, incentivizes a user to apply for and/or use credit
account 122.
It is noted that any of the procedures, stated above, regarding
flow diagram 900 may be implemented in hardware, or a combination
of hardware with firmware and/or software. For example, any of the
procedures are implemented by a processor(s) of a cloud environment
and/or a computing environment.
FIG. 10 depicts a process flow diagram 1000 for a method for
enhancing revenue by driving credit account purchases though a
single native mobile application, according to various
embodiments.
At 1010, enabling browsing of retail items via the single native
mobile application executing on a mobile device, wherein the
browsing is not required to be web-based browsing, and wherein the
single native mobile application is provided by a party. For
example, a user is able to browse retail items of a retail store
via display 112 of mobile device 110. The browsing is provided by
application 120 wherein the browsing is not required to be done via
a web browser.
At 1020, providing for multi-tender payments for the retail items.
In one embodiment, multi-tender payments refer to payments that are
made beyond a branded or co-branded credit account. For example,
payments made with cash with reference to a loyalty program;
payments made with both cash and a co-branded credit account;
payments made with both a single branded credit account and a
co-branded credit account; payments made with cash, a single
branded credit account and a co-branded credit account; or the
like.
At 1030, providing mobile marketing to a user of the mobile device
by the single native mobile application, wherein the mobile
marketing indicates that additional loyalty rewards will be earned
if the retail items are purchased by a credit account issued by the
party. For example, displayed on display 112 is a marketing
communication that indicates that additional loyalty rewards will
be earned if the retail items are purchased by a credit account
issued by the party. In one embodiment, the party acquires income
from a retailer of the retail items for processing transactions of
the credit account
At 1040, tracking a loyalty reward by the single native mobile
application. For example, application 120 tracks the user's loyalty
reward. Tracking can include tracking the amount of a loyalty
reward, the redemption of a loyalty reward, etc.
At 1050, providing digital receipts by the single native mobile
application. For example, digital receipts are provided for the
mobile purchases via application 120. In one embodiment,
application 120 stores or tracks the digital receipts of the
user.
It is noted that any of the procedures, stated above, regarding
flow diagram 1000 may be implemented in hardware, or a combination
of hardware with firmware and/or software. For example, any of the
procedures are implemented by a processor(s) of a cloud environment
and/or a computing environment,
FIG. 11 depicts a process flow diagram 1100 for a method for
enhancing revenue by driving credit account purchases though a
native mobile application, according to various embodiments.
At 1110, enabling browsing of retail items of a retailer via the
single native mobile application executing on the mobile device,
wherein the browsing is not required to be web-based browsing, and
wherein the native mobile application is provided by a party
different than the retailer. For example, a user is able to browse
retail items of a retail store via display 112 of mobile device
110. The browsing is provided by application 120 wherein the
browsing is not required to be done via a web browser.
At 1120, enabling multi-tender payments for the retail items. For
example, retail items selected to be purchased by the user may be
purchased by mobile payment (e.g., credit account 122).
At 1130, providing multi-tender mobile marketing to a user of the
mobile device by the single native mobile application, wherein the
multi-tender mobile marketing indicates that additional loyalty
rewards will be earned if the retail items are purchased by a
credit account issued by the party. For example, displayed on
display 112 is a marketing communication that indicates that
additional loyalty rewards will be earned if the retail items are
purchased by a credit account issued by the party.
At 1140, tracking a loyalty reward by the single native mobile
application. For example, application 120 tracks the user's loyalty
reward. Tracking can include tracking the amount of a loyalty
reward, the redemption of a loyalty reward, etc.
At 1150, providing digital receipts by the single native mobile
application. For example, digital receipts are provided for the
mobile purchases via application 120. In one embodiment,
application 120 stores or tracks the digital receipts of the
user.
It is noted that any of the procedures, stated above, regarding
flow diagram 1100 may be implemented in hardware, or a combination
of hardware with firmware and/or software. For example, any of the
procedures are implemented by a processor(s) of a cloud environment
and/or a computing environment.
FIG. 12 depicts a process flow diagram 1200 for a method for
providing mobile loyalty services in a geo-fencing area via a
native mobile application, according to various embodiments.
At 1210, determining a location of a mobile device in a geo-fencing
area via a native mobile application executing on the mobile
device. For example, geo-fence 305 is created based on one or more
of beacons 310-1 through 310-n. Moreover, once one or more of
beacons 310-1 through 310-n are coupled with mobile device 110, the
beacons are able to track and determine the location of the mobile
device with geo-fence 305.
At 1220, providing mobile payment via the mobile device through the
native mobile application. For example, mobile payment (e.g.,
credit account 122) are provided by way of mobile device 110.
At 1230, providing mobile marketing at the mobile device by the
native mobile application, wherein the mobile marketing is based on
the location of the mobile device in the geo-fencing area, For
example, while at location B in geo-fence 305, an offer is
displayed on mobile device 110 directed towards retail items 330
that are in proximity to the mobile device (and user).
At 1240, displaying a mobile virtual credit account based on the
location of the mobile device in the geo-fencing area. For example,
while approaching POS 320, credit account 122 is automatically
displayed on display 112 such that it may be scanned at POS and
utilized for a mobile payment. That is, the mobile payment is
displayed in response to the mobile device being in proximity to
POS 320.
It is noted that any of the procedures, stated above, regarding
flow diagram 1200 may be implemented in hardware, or a combination
of hardware with firmware and/or software. For example, any of the
procedures are implemented by a processor(s) of a cloud environment
and/or a computing environment.
FIG. 13 depicts a process flow diagram 1300 for a method for
providing mobile loyalty services in a geo-fencing area via a
native mobile application, according to various embodiments.
At 1310, determining a location of a mobile device in a geo-fencing
area via a native mobile application executing on the mobile
device. For example, geo-fence 305 is created based on one or more
of beacons 310-1 through 310-n. Moreover, once one or more of
beacons 310-1 through 310-n are coupled with mobile device 110, the
beacons are able to track and determine the location of the mobile
device with geo-fence 305.
At 1320, providing mobile payment via the mobile device through the
native mobile application. For example, mobile payment (e.g.,
credit account 122) are provided by way of mobile device 110.
At 1330, displaying mobile marketing at the mobile device by the
native mobile application, wherein the displaying of the mobile
marketing is based on the location of the mobile device in the
geo-fencing area. For example, while at location B in geo-fence
305, an offer is displayed on mobile device 110 directed towards
retail items 330 that are in proximity to the mobile device (and
user).
At 1340, displaying a mobile virtual credit account based on the
location of the mobile device in the geo-fencing area. For example,
while approaching POS 320, credit account 122 is automatically
displayed on display 112 such that it may be scanned at POS and
utilized for a mobile payment.
It is noted that any of the procedures, stated above, regarding
flow diagram 1300 may be implemented in hardware, or a combination
of hardware with firmware and/or software. For example, any of the
procedures are implemented by a processor(s) of a cloud environment
and/or a computing environment.
Example embodiments of the subject matter are thus described.
Although various embodiments of the have been described in a
language specific to features and/or methodological acts, it is to
be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited
to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the
specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example
forms of implementing the claims and their equivalents. Moreover,
examples and embodiments described herein may be implemented alone
or in various combinations with one another.
* * * * *
References